Preparations for the Corrientes Grand Slam are in full swing as organisers gear up to host one of Argentina's largest beach volleyball events to date

Corrientes, Argentina, May 14, 2013 – The city of Corrientes is gearing up for the for the most important beach volleyball event in Argentina’s history, the FIVB Grand Slam, which will take place from May 22 to 26.

The matches will be held at the Beach Arazati Resort in the South Coast Juan Pablo II with the support of the support of the national government, the Sport, Tourism and Cultural City Hall Under Secretariat, FeVA, Turicentro and the Fenix Entertainment Group.

A special presentation event was organised at the Corrientes City Hall and was attended by Carlos "Camau" Espinola (Mayor of Corrientes), Osvaldo Sumavil (Argentine Volleyball Federation (FeVA)), Mariano Baracetti (2001 Beach Volleyball World Champion) as well as other provincial and city authorities.

In his address at the event, Mayor Espinola said, “We have established the city of Corrientes at the international level and we will show that we can put in place the necessary structures and organisation for this international first class event.”

"Today, the people of Corrientes can be assured of the importance of our city and that they can be proud of hosting such an important international beach volleyball event,” added Espinola. He also stressed the importance of continuing to build on the accomplishments of the city and province and its different activities.

Corrientes is the first city of Argentina to organise such a high-level beach volleyball event. As with the other Grand Slam events, players will be looking to perform well in order to attain as many points as possible for the FIVB World Ranking after the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

A number of different activities, cultural and food tours are also being planned around the event in order to boost local interest.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

-Grand Slam audience places: 7,500

-Participation of over 60 teams from different parts of the world with television broadcasting in 150 countries

-Corrientes is the second stop on the FIVB World Circuit after the Shanghai Grand Slam that was held at the end of April